Park district skateboard park

     In 1996, the Park District opened an area in the rear of the administrative building to allow the youths a safe place to skateboard. The youths, happy to have this space, wanted to have a park and worked with members of the West Chicago Youth Commission to bring about this desire. The facility opened in September 2000 with sturdier-built ramps and offered an area of safety for the skaters to try different maneuvers and test their skills. "This facility had worn out its life span and the district knew we needed a fresh approach," said Gary Major, park district executive director.

     Most of the first skateboard parks were built on unused tennis courts, as was the case for West Chicago. Before investing a lot of money into a park, the recreational field needed to see if skateboarding was a passing fad or an established sport in athletics. "At first the youth had to overcome the image of street skate mentality: they actually were the kids next door, but needed a place to gather," said Major. "The sport is now considered a safe activity, with less injuries per capita than that of football or baseball. Even when competing, the youths help each other, showing true sportsmanship. It really is a cooperative environment."

     With the idea of a new facility in mind, park district staff and commissioners looked at designs of different skateboard facilities at the National Recreation and Park Districts convention. "We found the one by Aaron Spohn to be an integrated plan to appeal to the users," said Frank Lenertz, park district board president. Spohn has designed skateboard parks for more than 15 years, plus has been a skater for many more. The company is known for creating safe and challenging skateboard parks.

     Coming back with the plan and several other concepts, they talked with some of the youth in the community. "It was fairly representative, involving around 15 youths, between the ages of 11 and 19," stated Major. After looking at three different samples, the youths liked Spohn's design and commented on some amenities they wanted. "Actually, it involved only three changes," he said.

     The facility is to be in the same location, installing the park below ground level, cutting out the asphalt, which opens up new challenges. Maintaining the popular streetscape concept popular with skateboard enthusiasts, the facility construction will be concrete. Some additions planned include a shade structure, water fountain, seating with benches-"providing a good leisure spot for the youths to gather in a park-like setting, " explained Major.